Wild Birds Unlimited of Syosset is not just a retail store. We believe in advocating for wildlife conservation through education and outreach.  

In addition to our in-store nature programs, we present virtual programs in order to connect even more people to nature!

Programs Available:

Why Birds Matter, The Threats They Face, How We Can Help

The New York Times, Washington Post, NBC News and countless other news outlets have headlined the devastating news that since 1970 we have lost 29% of our bird populations. According to the 2019 “State of the Birds Report”, that’s just about THREE BILLION birds. The 2022 report sounds an alarm about steep population losses in virtually all habitats. The report identifies 70 Tipping Point species that have lost half or more of their breeding population since 1970, and are on tract to lose another half or more in the next 50 years. But why should we even care? And what can we do to help? This program will explain why birds matter, the perils they face, and how we can, as individuals and communities, work together to help protect them.

 Gardening for Birds by Creating Backyard Habitats

This comprehensive workshop explains why it is important to landscape for birds and other wildlife, along with tips for creating backyard habitats that include food, shelter and nesting spots. You'll also learn the basics of designing and choosing plants for your wildlife sanctuary.  

 

Silent Shadows: The Owls of New York Revealed

Owls are mysterious and charismatic birds that have intrigued humans for centuries with their mysterious behaviors and unique adaptations. In this program, we will embark on a journey into the fascinating world of owls as we uncover the secrets of these nocturnal hunters, exploring their life history, amazing adaptations and the individual species that call NYS home.

 

The Birds in Your Backyard- Spring Edition

Long Island is home to numerous bird species, from the majestic bald eagle to tiny hummingbirds. What birds can you expect to see in your backyard?  We will help you learn to identify the various species of birds visiting our feeders during spring and summer. You'll learn a little bit about each species and there will also be a brief overview on migration, as well as how to attract each species.  

 The Birds in Your Backyard- Winter Edition

Long Island is home to numerous bird species, from the majestic bald eagle to tiny hummingbirds. What birds can you expect to see in your backyard year round and during the winter? What ARE you seeing in your backyard? This program will provide a brief overview of the various species of birds in our backyards year-round, as well as our winter visitors. We will also learn about the adaptations that help birds survive winter's frigid grip as well as how to tell similar looking species apart.

 Birding For Beginners

Spending time looking for and observing birds is great for your physical, mental, and emotional health. It connects you to nature in a way that goes beyond just hiking. It teaches you observation skills, and, if you choose, it can open the doors to making new friends.

It's flexible-you can bird only in your backyard, or you can choose to travel the world to see as many birds as possible. It keeps you sharp-because once you have seen a bird, you just want to learn as much as you can about it. It is really the perfect pastime when you think about it! But, how does one actually become a birder? You will learn tips on learning to identify birds, as well as the tools needed to get started in this comprehensive online class. This program can be broken up into two classes.

 Birding Feeding 101

From tiny hummingbirds, chickadees, nuthatches and titmice to heftier cardinals,  orioles and woodpeckers, we all have the chance to experience the joy of feeding birds and watching their delightful antics wherever we live. How do we attract these birds? What are the best feeders to set up? The best food to use?  How can we deter other hungry critters that seem determined to eat us out of house and home? This program will guide you through all you need to know in order to attract birds to your yard through bird feeding.  Please note that this program can be given in person!

 Woodpeckers: Head Bangers of the Forests

New York’s forests and woodlands provide ideal habitat for a fascinating variety of woodpeckers—some are year-round residents, others visit us during the winter, and one rare newcomer may be becoming more common. What makes these birds so unique? They literally slam their heads into trees—and thrive doing it. Beyond their impressive drumming skills, woodpeckers are keystone species, playing a critical role in maintaining healthy forest ecosystems.

This program takes a deep dive into the high-impact lives of woodpeckers in lower New York State. Meet the local species, discover how they survive their head-banging lifestyle without missing a beat, and learn why these forest percussionists are essential members of our natural community.

New York State's Birds of Prey

All birds, even those as different as a Bald Eagle and a hummingbird, share some common traits, such as feathers, wings, and egg laying. But, certain characteristics set the group of birds called raptors, or birds of prey, apart from other birds. The word raptor comes from the Latin rapere, which means to seize or plunder — the perfect way to describe birds that swoop down on their prey.

All raptors have a hooked beak, strong feet with sharp talons, remarkable eyesight, and a carnivorous diet. The family includes nocturnal hunting owls, day hunting hawks; fish-eating ospreys, go-speed racer falcons, majestic eagles and nature’s clean up crew, vultures. Some are migratory, while others are year-round residents of New York. Raptors are apex predators that can be seen everywhere: in your backyard, the city, or in the wilds. In this program you will learn about diurnal birds of prey, their life cycles and how to identify them.

 Meet the Corvids of New York

The Corvidae is a cosmopolitan family of passerine birds (also known as perching birds) that includes crows, ravens, rooks, magpies, jackdaws, jays, treepies, choughs, and nutcrackers.
Commonly referred to as the crow family or corvids, there are approximately 135 members of this family, including the largest, The Common Raven. 

Corvids are famous for their remarkable intelligence for animals of their size, and are among the most intelligent birds thus far studied. This program will discuss the family as a whole, as well as species accounts of the various family members that call New York home-two species of jays, two species of crows and the Common Raven.

An Introduction to the Sparrows of NYS

Sparrows can be some of the trickiest birds to identify, but by knowing what to look for, you can learn to distinguish them with confidence! In this program, we’ll break down key features such as plumage patterns, habitat, behavior, and song to help you tell apart these tricky "little brown jobs'. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your ID skills, this session will provide tips, tricks, and practical field insights to make identifying these often-overlooked birds easier and more enjoyable. You’ll also be introduced to the sparrow species that call NYS home.

 The Hot Birds of Summer

From the melodic songs of wood thrushes in the woods to the spectacle of shorebirds along the coast, we’ll delve into the behaviors, habitats, and identification tips for species that call lower New York home during the nesting season. We’ll also touch on the incredible journeys these birds make—where they come from, how they get here, and what triggers their return each year. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just curious about the birds in your backyard, this program offers a closer look at the avian life that fills our summer with sound, color, and wonder.

 

Email us to discuss booking a program!

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Check out reviews of these programs here!

About the speaker:

Stella Miller is the Communication, Education, and Outreach Manager at Wild Birds Unlimited of Syosset and the former president of Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon. Since 2006, she has led numerous conservation advocacy efforts, including co-founding the Preserve Plum Island Coalition, coordinating habitat restoration projects, mentoring youth, and launching a national campaign to protect raptors at landfills. Stella currently serves as a member of the Palisades Interstate Parks League of Naturalists and is a founding board member of Reel Earth Films, a nonprofit focused on wildlife filmmaking. She is an experienced public speaker who presents on a wide range of bird-related topics and is currently conducting bird surveys for a forthcoming guide to the birds of Harriman State Park.